The opinion dividing social network is now well into its 10th year and the vast majority of racing’s leading figures now have a presence on the platform. Some pay very little attention to their accounts, while others seem to have an almost unhealthy obsession with it and tweet every few minutes, throughout the day.
We have put together a list of who we think is using Twitter the most effectively. Those who figure prominently aren’t necessarily the ones with the most followers. It’s possible to have tens of thousands of Twitter followers, made up almost entirely of people who are paying no attention to what you are writing.
Join RaceBets.com Today & Get Up To £50 New Account Welcome BonusSuccessful Twitter users know their audience and (crucially) have the ability to engage with them. This list represents who we think are using the platform, both to the best advantage of themselves and their followers.
#1 Victoria Pendleton
The Olympic Champion track cyclist and winning amateur Jockey has built up a massive Twitter following and it’s the positivity of her output that has been the key to her success. She always plays down her own achievements, but is constantly praising others that achieve. She tirelessly championed British athletes, from all sports, during the 2016 Olympic Games. Pendleton is involved with many charitable organisations and users Twitter superbly – maximising the impact of the work she does and driving both donations and volunteering.
Recently, she tweeted… ‘Thank you @EtonburyAcademy for the warm reception at the official opening of The Pendleton Sports Centre! #hugehonour’
#2 John McCririck
If you thought Big Mac was outspoken on CH4 Racing, you’ve seen nothing yet! Many thought that racing punditry’s Marmite looked to be toast, when he was forced to make way for various politically correct folk on the sport’s flagship Saturday show. Not all punters took to the new format and McCririck could be forgiven for shedding few tears over CH4’s loss of regular racing coverage to ITV (starting in 2017). Joy, pain, anger, madness and oodles of barbed wit are lapped up by his Twitter following.
Recently, he tweeted… ‘Survey 5,000 females would you sleep with Pres Clinton? 78% never again. That will convulse’
#3 Mick Channon
Channon was a top-class footballer, before he turned his hand to training racehorses and his account makes clear his enduring love for both sports. This is what makes his Twitter output so significant, as he is constantly enticing new people (largely those with an interest in Southampton FC) into racing. Amusingly, his son (Mick Channon Jr.) has a book out called ‘How’s Your Dad’ and no prizes for guessing whose Twitter account is promoting it most effectively!
Recently, he tweeted… ‘Mum’s 95th Birthday today! Only trouble is, she looks younger than me.’
#4 AP McCoy
You don’t become Champion Jump Jockey 20 times without knowing how to graft and getting on for 6000 personal tweets is impressive. Despite gaining over 270k followers, McCoy will happily interact with other members and he’s generous with praise for those who have achieved something significant. He’s particularly supportive of those raising money for good causes, such as Francis Benali whose iron-man running and cycling challenge has been raising cash for Cancer Research UK.
Recently, he tweeted… ‘@clarebalding and I still look ok? as for the other lot..the years have been good to them,it must av been the weekends that did the damage’
#5 Richard Fahey
There can be few busier people in racing than top trainer Richard Fahey, but he is one of the most active on Twitter. Not for him, the occasional retweet when a friend has something to promote. Fahey regularly tweets several times a day, informing followers of all his winners and just about everything that’s going on at his yard. He’ll even reach for his mobile, take short videos and upload them. Not only does Richard Fahey attract many thousands of followers, he keeps them – because he offers such great value with his output.
Recently, he tweeted… ‘That win from Spin Doctor takes us over £3m in prize money for the year. Well done to all owners & team Musley Bank’
#6 Clare Balding
Whoever you are, there’s a pretty strong chance that Clare Balding is working harder! As well as being televised sport’s woman for all seasons, she tirelessly campaigns for all manner of charities and causes. These include Riding for the Disabled, The British Thyroid Foundation, The British Paralympic Association, Diversity Role Models, The Jane Tomlinson Appeal, The Injured Jockeys Fund and Helen Rollason Cancer Care. All of these institutions have benefited from her adept use of Twitter. Racing has too and she’s capable of some very funny tweets, when she is in the mood!
Recently, she tweeted… ‘Me: “oh, that’s a shame. Harzand has retired to stud”. Alice: “what the footballer? He won’t think it’s a shame”’
#7 David Pipe
The Grand National, Cheltenham Festival and Royal Ascot winning racehorse trainer is amongst the very-best users of Twitter in racing. He provides followers with regular updates on the fortunes of his inmates, extensive details on upcoming sales and even uses the medium to hold competitions. He’s also found it’s an excellent tool to promote his own website and blog. Some people are just really good at the internet!
Recently, he tweeted… ‘The answer to today’s competition: My first Grade One winner as a trainer was the mighty Lough Derg in the Long Walk Hurdle @Ascot’
#8 Richard Hughes
The triple UK Champion Jockey only uses Twitter selectively, but his account has still attracted a fairly large body of influential support. You’ll find early alerts of any horses he has for sale, videos of inmates in training, details of recent winners (with owners name-checked) plus personal photos and comments on anything that’s interested Hughes. Proof that less can be more.
Recently, he tweeted… ‘Winner #40 in our first year well done everyone’
#9 Gay Kelleway
Gay Kelleway, racehorse trainer and former Champion Female Jockey, really is the queen of the deal when it comes to the nags and she keeps her followers up to date with every animal that joins or leaves her yard. She’s got a keen eye for a bargain, as well as for a sale and she uses the medium very well as an equine showroom – even going so far as to remind potential overseas investors of the weak pound! She is very active on Twitter and has built up a solid loyal following, by smart use of tweets and retweets. Definitely one to follow.
Recently, she tweeted… ‘Fab this year owners keen to buy racehorses. maybe it’s the French prize money I keep chasing’
#10 Ruby Walsh
Walsh, who has 52 Cheltenham winners to his name, has built up a huge following without wearing down his keyboard a great deal. He proves that you can run a successful Twitter account, simply by hitting the retweet button at the right time – at least if you are as famous as him! It looks like his account got hacked, back in May, an event that was ‘liked’ by 64 people for some reason!
Recently, he retweeted… (martin ferris @Martinferris83) ‘Thanks for all the well wishes, unfortunately I have 9 fractures and operation in the morning’
#11 Alex Hammond
Presenter
Recently, she tweeted… ‘Urgh….today’s tip The Blue Bomber throws it away by heading towards Cromer at every flight of hurdles!’
#12 Barry Geraghty
Jockey
Recently, he tweeted… ‘End of an era and a big loss to the weighroom wishing @paulcarberry a very happy retirement one of the bravest and most natural jockeys ever’
#13 Ralph Beckett
Trainer
Recently, he tweeted… ‘Thanks for all the messages… it was great to get Simple Verse back to form.’
#14 Hugo Palmer
Trainer
Recently, he tweeted… ‘Gutted and proud in equal measure. Hawksmoor finishes a brave 3rd at Keeneland’
#15 Derek Thompson
Presenter
Recently, he tweeted… ‘Love American tv – they’re showing live pictures of California Chrome in the horsebox on way to @BreedersCup’
#16 Jonjo O’Neill
Trainer
Recently, he tweeted… ‘Good to get a double at @LudlowRaceClub this afternoon. Well done @BarryJGeraghty @JJONeillJnr and all connections!’
#17 Nicky Henderson
Trainer
Recently, he tweeted… ‘Thomas Campbell @CheltenhamRaces today, ‘he’s a very neat horse who carries a lot less condition and we’re feeling our way with him.’
#18 Jessica Harrington
Trainer
Recently, she tweeted… ‘My favourite race of Moscow Flyer Tingle Creek 2004’
#19 Lydia Hislop
Presenter
Recently, she tweeted… ‘Superb night @CVOCCharity, raising money for an excellent cause.’
#20 Richard Johnson
Jockey
Recently, he tweeted… ‘Great day @WetherbyRaces with nice winner & with Menorah & Native River running great races. The season is really kicking into gear. #winter’
#21 Ruth Carr
Trainer
Recently, she tweeted… ‘Fab to have an end of season double yesterday. Well done to Jimmy (who rode a treble) and all the gang at Mowbray!’
#22 Harry Dunlop
Trainer
Recently, he tweeted… ‘Fantastic to see my wife’s filly Kashtan bounce back to form winning a nice handicap at Wolverhampton Happy Days!’
#23 Paul Nicholls
Trainer
Recently, he tweeted… ‘Your placing of cliffs of Dover has been truly awful! ?. Very well done! ( my ex assistant !!)’
#24 Hayley Turner
Jockey
Recently, she tweeted… ‘The first time I have woke up and felt excited about going racing without riding involved! Good luck everyone #ChampionsDay’
#25 Jim McGrath
Presenter
Recently, he tweeted… ‘Great start the week- a trip to Pontefract to see “Uncle” Norman and “Auntie” Di, top people. Oh, the lattes are ace there too!’
#26 Willie Mullins
Trainer
Recently, he tweeted… ‘Frankie gave us our 1st Classic & also rode my Dad’s only Classic winner too.Thrilled for my owners #WicklowBrave’
#27 Sam Twiston-Davies
Jockey
Recently, he tweeted… ‘Slightly different Birthday but a good one all the same! Mac Donald’s , cake and racing all from the comfort of bed. Thanks for the messages!’
#28 William Kennedy
Jockey
Recently, he tweeted… ‘Very sad to hear the news about Boondooma, gave me a great day a year ago today. Thoughts with the owners and all of Dr Newlands team’
#29 Gina Harding
Presenter
Recently, she tweeted… ‘1 of my last days working on @Channel4Racing today.Makes me even more appreciative of moments like walking back next to stars like Churchill’
#30 Cornelius Lysaght
Presenter
Recently, he tweeted… ‘#Woodbine: terrific w/end for French racing goes on as Erupt takes Canadian Int (10-40) from HM runner Dartmouth; Idaho 5th (never a factor)’
#31 Matt Chapman ITV/ATR
Presenter
Recently, he tweeted… ‘Here he comes. It’s @CalChrome time @BreedersCup @AtTheRaces @santaanitapark. Let’s get ready to rrruummbblllleeeee! Yeeehaaa!’
#32 Davy Russell
Jockey
Recently, he tweeted… ‘Tony Martins heartbreak city what an effort from 23 well done’
#33 Nick Scholfield
Jockey
Recently, he tweeted… ‘All the best to @paulcarberry in retirement. His talent & skill you can not learn or teach’
#34 Jamie Spencer
Jockey
Recently, he tweeted… ‘Couldn’t be more pleased, Seamie Heffernan has always been a class act in all walks of life, and so reserved in victory, well done’
#35 Tom Scudamore
Jockey
Recently, he tweeted… ‘Happy retirement to the Bolster… Many great days and allowed me to share a journey with some wonderful people… Thanks pal’
#36 Anna Hesketh
Jockey
Recently, she tweeted… ‘Massive well done to @josephinegordo well deserved!! Woop woop’
#37 Colin Tizzard
Trainer
Recently, he tweeted… ‘Great few days racing happily all horses fine this morning and its raining….’
#38 Ed Vaughan
Trainer
Recently, he tweeted… ‘Well done @Archie_Watson on your first winner!!!’
#39 Fergal O’Brien
Trainer
Recently, he tweeted… ‘After watching @BBC’s #PlanetEarth2, we’re looking forward to training our first consignment of racer snakes!’
#40 Kieren Fallon
Jockey (retired)
Recently, he tweeted… ‘Good to see #WorldMentalHealthDay raising awareness & giving people the confidence to get the help they need & deserve!’
#41 Kim Bailey
Trainer
Recently, he tweeted… ‘Jimmy the Jetplane finally puts his head in front @SedgefieldRace . A good win and decent prize money to boot’
#42 Evan Williams
Trainer
Recently, he tweeted… ‘thanks to our local track @Chepstow_Racing for supporting our stable staff with a delivery of cakes on stable staff week!’
#43 Emma Spencer
Presenter
Recently, she tweeted… ‘Stunning morning at santa Anita#topteam @nickluck @olibellracing @simon_callaghan’
#44 Kevin Blake
Journalist
Recently, he tweeted… ‘Great stuff from @V_Binnie_Ryle on @AtTheRaces! Huge ask to jump into a presenter’s seat on no notice and do such a good job, bar the joke!’
#45 Rishi Persad
Presenter
Recently, he tweeted… ‘Enjoyed watching a lot of good young riders today – Conor Shoemark, Jack Sherwood and Stan Shepard among them.’
#46 Robert Cowell
Trainer
Recently, he tweeted… ‘Well what can I say ….. I am as proud as have ever been with our ever youthful Kingsgate Native…brings a tear to the eye and so popular.’
#47 Nick Luck
Presenter
Recently, he tweeted… ‘Great to see how the return of #Thistlecrack captures imagination so readily &, equally, how the rise of the Tizzards adds to the sport.’
#48 George Baker
Trainer
Recently, he tweeted… ‘Just bought superbly handsome son of Sunday Break @VENTESOSARUS La Teste de Buch. Proper horse for sale #mantonair’
#49 Eve Johnson Houghton
Trainer
Recently, she tweeted… ‘Interesting prize money @NewburyRacing on Sat the 0-105 h’cap is worth £10k less than last year. Profits up, prize money down #disappointing’
#50 Denise Large
Televison Executive
Recently, she tweeted… ‘Watched @KingKautoV winning 5th KG with @Nicklightfoot87 wonderful memories brilliant horse – wonderful commentary @SimonHolt3 #tears’
#51 Ed Walker
Trainer
Recently, he tweeted… ‘Di Alta wins on debut @NewburyRacing. Given the perfect introduction by Tom Brown. Huge credit to Callum and Janet at home as she aint easy!
#52 Warren Greatrex
Trainer
Recently, he tweeted… ‘Lovely performance from La Bague Au Roi on her 1st start over hurdles! Lots more to come! #andbreath’
#53 Simon Mapletoft
Presenter
Recently, he tweeted… ‘Andrea Atzeni all smiles after his 4th @RacingPost Trophy win in a row on Rivet @DoncasterRaces @AtTheRaces’
#54 Simon Holt
Presenter
Recently, he tweeted… ‘Vautour. What a desperate shame; a horse blessed with the brilliance of Sprinter Sacre and Kauto Star, superb at three Cheltenham Festivals.’
#55 Brian Flanagan
Journalist
Recently, he tweeted… ‘Drinking in a church at #BuzzLaunchNight and there’s more than altar wine behind the bar’
#56 Martin Keighley
Trainer
Recently, he tweeted… ‘Cross Country fences or regulation fences …as long as it’s a marathon trip at his beloved @CheltenhamRaces Any Currency’s chilled!!’
#57 Alice Plunkett
Journalist
Recently, she tweeted… ‘Loads to celebrate @CheltenhamRaces for Family @CharlieLongsdon! #behindeverygreatmanis’
#58 Karl Burke
Trainer
Recently, he tweeted… ‘Delighted to see Timeless Art get his head in front for his very patient owners @OwnersforOwners @punterprofit #horseforthefuture’
#59 Lucinda Russell
Trainer
Recently, she tweeted… ‘Congratulations Vertigo winning the bumper .@HexhamRaces for @Braveheart_Alex and my Dad #special’
#60 Brian Meehan
Trainer
Recently, he tweeted… ‘Fantastic result as Spark Plug goes and lands the Cambridgeshire @NewmarketRace great result for all involved #winner #sparkplug #legend’
#61 Megan Carberry
Jockey
Recently, she tweeted… ‘Looking forward to riding Dominda again tomorrow for @BERacingLtd in the 3:40 @LudlowRaceClub #champ #comeracing’
#62 Charlie Hills
Trainer
Recently, he tweeted… ‘Rosarno wins very easily under @JPSPENCER1980 @NewburyRacing the future looks bright for this good looking son of Fastnet rock.’
#63 Neil Mulholland
Trainer
Recently, he tweeted… ‘Sad that Colm Murphy has decided not to train anymore.I rode his first winner for him a great trainer, best friend and most of all a top man’
#64 Steve Jones
Journalist
Recently, he tweeted… ‘Eartha Kitt bets went down the pan’
#65 Rebecca E Menzies
Trainer
Recently, she tweeted… ‘First winner from the new yard – Howe Hills . Thanks to everyone who has supported us through the move #livingthedream #thankyou #c.artisan’
#66 Richard Phillips
Trainer
Recently, he tweeted… ‘A misty Saturday morning on the gallops for the Adlestrop Club visit. It was great to have @dickyjohnson77 riding out’
#67 Chris Cook
Journalist
Recently, he tweeted… ‘William Hunter and then Briyouni…Cheerio, Flat racing on turf. Don’t let the door hit you on the way out’
#68 Sam Davies-Thomas
Jockey
Recently, he tweeted… ‘£10,679 raised for @IJF_official for our @SkydiveBuzzLtd, thank you to everyone who donated.@MarkPugh41 @GoPointing’
#69 Mark Johnson
Presenter
Recently, he tweeted… ‘Can’t believe connections are not going to enter Limato for the BC Turf Sprint – that was the ideal race for him – afraid the BC Mile isn’t’
#70 Pat Flynn
Trainer
Recently, he tweeted… ‘Another proud day in Hong Kong, @MoyglareStud,@PatFlynnRacing @coolmorestud,Designs on Rome wins again at Sha Tin.’
#71 Dan Skelton
Trainer
Recently, he tweeted… ‘All horses exercised and back in their boxes. Well done to the team, they never flinched despite the horrendous conditions. #dedication’
#72 Richard Hannon
Trainer
Recently, he tweeted… ‘STORMY CLOUDS was sold yesterday @GoffsUK for £60k back to @HoStud where the intention is to be covered by @AlShaqabRacing MEHMAS #super2yrs’
#73 Cathy Gannon
Jockey
Recently, she tweeted… ‘Very annoyed to read about stall handler William McKeon losing his job #oneofthebest’
#74 Tony Carroll
Trainer
Recently, he tweeted… ‘Pretty exciting stuff for us so far with Boom The Groom sticking it out at @yorkracecourse and Compton Poppy winning nicely @Chepstow_Racing’
#75 Ger Tumelty
Jockey
Recently, he tweeted… ‘Willy tells me @AtTheRaces @LeglockLuke that his break has done him the world of good & he’s came into luck in the fillies department’
#76 Megan Nicholls
Jockey
Recently, she tweeted… ‘Woohoo Geneva Convention does me proud again. well done @rhannonracing, class ride once again from Ryan Moore #topteam #somuchlove’
#77 Sam Turner
Journalist
Recently, he tweeted… ‘That was the worst review since I played Joseph in the school nativity’
#78 Frankie Dettori
Jockey
Recently, he tweeted… ‘Thank you @BreedersCup and @astonmartin for the test drive of the new DB11, not a bad shuttle service’
#79 Eddy Greatrex
Jockey
Recently, he tweeted… ‘Well done dad! @wgreatrexracing #thecaller #winners great ride from @harry_bann1310 #upandcoming #class’
#80 Ross O’Sullivan
Trainer
Recently, he tweeted… ‘Finding it hard to adjust. switching from Santa Anita back to chelmsford city #ATR’
#81 Sally Ann Grassick
Presenter
Recently, she tweeted… ‘Will miss my handsome Clovis but happy he is heading off to a nice home to make pretty babies! @PhilipperonL @louisecv21’
#82 Jonathan Portman
Trainer
Recently, he tweeted… ‘It won’t be Mr Bean but it will be Mrs Danvers on today’s ITV news 6.30/10pm. World war permitting, of course.’
#83 Gemma Tutty
Jockey
Recently, she tweeted… ‘Jumping starts are just getting ridiculous now’
#84 Andrew Thornton
Jockey
Recently, he tweeted… ‘Thank you for all the support – yes broken collarbone but hope to be back in around 3 weeks time – all being well :)’
#85 Jane Chapple-Hyam
Trainer
Recently, she tweeted… ‘Stamford Raffles a winner, well done team,’
#86 William Jarvis
Trainer
Recently, he tweeted… ‘Fang’s victory yesterday was a great buzz. Great to train a winner for Batts and thanks to all the team.’
#87 Rupert Bell
Presenter
Recently, he tweeted… ‘Now I have got a snake round my neck #EmiratesMelbourneCup never again’
#88 Niamh Flynn
Marketing Executive
Recently, she tweeted… ‘Congrats @tomaskean to think you owned a #BC16 winner & to @jlbloodstock who purchased him @Tattersalls1766 #Obviously #goodjudges’
#89 Richard Pugh
Presenter
Recently, he tweeted… ‘Have attended many point to points in the last 20years but today was something very special. Congrats to all @dowthp2p on a wonderful day.’
#90 Ben Haslam
Trainer
Recently, he tweeted… ‘Chinned!! Great run from Shesnotforturning. Just denied her 2nd win @HamiltonParkRC’
#91 Aly Vance
Presenter
Recently, she tweeted… ‘Alarm set at 3.50am for the #MelbourneCup tomorrow morning. I like Oceanographer, Almandin & Heartbreak City #racethatstopsmesleeping’
#92 Laurence Bellman
Owner
Recently, he tweeted… ‘I think I’ve shown considerable restraint. I haven’t bought a yearling yet. @sarahjbellman @SackvilleDonald @TomDascombe @edwalkerracing’
#93 Kate Hills
PR Consultant
Recently, she tweeted… ‘Highlights of my day @Ascot – celebrating The Tin Man’s win with lovely Fanshawe team, congratulating Champ Jock Jim Crowley. #welldeserved’
#94 Natalie Hambling
Jockey
Recently, she tweeted… ‘Huge thanks to @ScottPJDixon and team for the ride tonight on Coiste Bodhar, delighted to win on him for the third time. #winner 13’
#95 Ann Duffield
Trainer
Recently, she tweeted… ‘Congrats to connections of Rainbow Mist. 100k to Hong Kong for a smashing purchase’
#96 Sebastian Weiss
Owner/breeder
Recently, he tweeted… ‘#Monsun wins #Lando 2nd! This morning it was the #MelbourneCup, now they were responsible as dam sires for 1,2 in Munich G1! #stallionsonfire’
#97 Harriet Rochester
PR Consultant
Recently, she tweeted… ‘I’ve just voted for @josephinegordo for sportswoman of the month. Please support her! #championapprenticejockey’
#98 Greg Wood
Journalist
Recently, he tweeted… ‘Almanzor beat Found with bit to spare lto. Suspect that right this moment, somewhere near Chantilly, Soumi is seething. #soumi #seething’
#99 Rebecca Curtis
Trainer
Recently, she tweeted… ‘Absolutely delighted to win the Charlie Hall today at Wetherby. Irish Cavalier you are a legend!!’
#100 Ryan Mania
Jockey
Recently, he tweeted… ‘And I’m back’
What We Discovered…
It’s generally thought that young people run rings around their elders, online, but there is little sign that this is the case with racing folk on Twitter.
It’s trainers who have by far the biggest presence on the platform and they bust a gut to make sure they get their message across. Successes are consistently heralded, as are new acquisitions to the yard and any horses for sale.
Most top trainers clearly view their use of Twitter as a serious aspect of their jobs. They are constantly using it to promote their services, build essential contacts and generate revenue.
It’s no surprise to see those working in the media also using the site effectively. Both presenters and journalists realise that Twitter is too valuable a tool for them to ignore. They are putting great effort into building loyal follower-bases.
Both of these groups are largely made-up of individuals aged over 35. Most working jockeys are under that age, but it’s clear that few are putting much effort into Twitter. This is particularly true of young jockeys, very few of whom do more than provide an occasional retweet.
Confidence is likely to be a big factor in this. As the recent tragic event at Kempton so cruelly emphasised, there are no braver sportsmen and sportswomen than horse racing jockeys. They put their lives and livelihoods on the line, day in and day out, yet many remain shy when it comes to making sure their voices are heard.
Only the most successful will leave the sport in a comfortable position, financially and almost all will still need to work when the time comes to hang up their boots. Building a strong profile and networking effectively should surely, therefore, be a priority. Perhaps trainers, who are already using Twitter effectively, could offer a guiding hand to young jockeys who are more comfortable doing their talking with hands and heels?
We hope you’ve enjoyed reading our take on racing’s current top Twitterati. Make sure that you bookmark our blog, as you’ll find regular previews of upcoming races as well as in-depth articles like this one.
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